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24-year-old confirms Leeds United talks

AIK full-back Haukur Hauksson has confirmed to Sportbladet that Leeds United are negotiating with the Swedish club to sign him, admitting that he is flattered the Whites' perceived interest in him.

The Yorkshire Evening Post (cited by Inside Futbol) reported earlier this week that Leeds had identified the 24-year-old as a possible signing, but decided against pursuing him.

However, the Iceland defender has now revealed to Sportbladet that the Championship club are in negotiations with AIK for his signature, but insists that he would not be against staying in Sweden if he had to.

Hauksson, who has netted three times in 10 Swedish league games this season, said: "My agent has told me that we are in contact with Leeds. They negotiate with AIK right now.

"It's a big, big club in England. With a nice story. But I would be happy even if I remain in the AIK. Of course I am really flattered. It is good for a big club like Leeds bid for you."

The right-back is contracted to AIK until 2018 and may compete with Gaetano Berardi for regular first-team football under manager Garry Monk this season.

The Italian full-back has had his injury problems in recent time and the exit of Giuseppe Bellusci - who joined Empoli earlier this summer - leaves Monk a little short on right-back options at the moment.

Leeds kick off their Championship campaign with a trip to Queens Park Rangers on August 7, but before that they welcome Serie A outfit Atalanta in their last pre-season friendly on Saturday.

Shane Callaghan

Shane is a Dublin-based sports writer who swapped the football pitch for the press box upon learning that he was better with a pen than with a round bit of leather. Prior to joining HITC, Shane enjoyed spells with Sports Mole and Goal.com among others, while he was also club reporter for Irish football club Drogheda United.